White Paper response (Sept 2010)

Our joint consultation and response was produced in reply to the new Coalition Government’s White Paper Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS as part of the national consultation process.

In partnership, here Knowsley LINk and Knowsley Older People’s Voice, malady held a series of Roadshows throughout Knowsley in the second half September 2010 to consult the general public on the proposals. A total of 208 people attended 6 events in Halewood, Kirkby, Huyton, Whiston and additional focus groups with Knowsley Carers Voice and the Being Involved Group (a group of self advocates with Learning Disabilities). Approximately 20% of those who attended the various consultations were below the age of 50, helping to provide a representative sample of opinions.

The White Paper proposes numerous changes to the NHS focusing on placing patients and the public at the heart of everything the NHS does, by increasing their choice and access to information and empowering clinicians to deliver results. The development of numerous bodies, including local HealthWatch, HealthWatch England, NHS Outcomes Frameworks (which would hold the NHS accountable for improving healthcare outcomes), the GP Commissioning Consortia (responsible for commissioning local services), the NHS Commissioning Board, and finally expanding the powers of Monitor, to act as an economic regulator.

The White Paper also proposes five national outcome goals, on which to measure the effectiveness, patient experience and safety of the NHS. These outcome goals include; preventing people from dying prematurely, enhancing the quality of life of those suffering from long term conditions, helping people to recover from episodes of ill health or injury, ensuring people have a positive experience of care and finally, treating and caring for people in a safe environment and protecting them from avoidable harm.

Throughout the consultation process there were differing views expressed to each proposal. This is to be expected in a far reaching engagement activity. This report has attempted to capture the key themes that were expressed throughout each session, using where possible direct quotes.